Public Construction Projects Bills deserves support
For anyone or any business that has had to “live through” a road construction project, you know the challenges it presents. And repeatedly, we have seen many businesses so adversely affected by the construction that they close their doors permanently because access is nearly impossible. In today’s difficult economy, government at all levels should be doing what is neccessary to help businesses survive and thrive. That’s why there are two bills currently moving through the House and Senate that deserve our full support.
SB 1842 (Bennett)and HB 1331 (Abruzzo) prohibit the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) from designing, constructing or maintaining public streets, roads, highways, and bridges in a way that impedes the existing access of adjacent property owners. The FDOT is prohibited from dividing state highways or erecting median barriers in areas that are zoned for business use within a county or municipality without the approval of such activities by a majority vote of the governing body of the county or municipality.
Will these bills make it more difficult to complete a road project? Possibly…but maybe not. That is yet to be determined. What they will do is help local businesses remain in business and continue to bring jobs and economic growth to their communities.
Kudos to Senator Bennett and Representative Abruzzo for sponsoring these bills!
